Obesity Is Pricey; Being Thinner Is Less Expensive

Regardless of your lifestyle, it comes at a cost. That is evident. But are you aware of how expensive this item truly is? Being severely overweight is costly. If you have been consuming twice as much as you need or more, the cost of food alone can be substantial. One individual told me that he regularly consumed six chicken breasts at a single meal.

Additionally, extra-large apparel is more expensive, particularly when it comes to business suits and formal dresses. It is common for "plus size" clothing to cost two to three times as much as standard sizes. Transportation costs can also be considerably more expensive. If you're too large to sit behind the wheel of a compact car, you may not even have that option. You may be required to purchase two coach class seats or pay a surcharge to sit in first class if you cannot squeeze in a single seat.

The point is that there are numerous day-to-day expenses that are increased due to obesity. The cost of "living large" increases when medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other conditions are considered. How about visits to the doctor and other medical treatments? If this describes you, I need not elucidate the financial burdens of obesity. However, the good news is that significant savings accompany weight loss.

One patient maintained a detailed record of his living expenses before and after his band. Within four months of his surgery, his average monthly cost of living decreased by $440. Similar results have been reported by other patients, who are astonished at how much less they spend on sustenance and medications alone. The apparel issue is typically a double-edged sword. As you reduce weight, you are able to purchase much cheaper clothing. The first time you purchase an item from a department store's clearance rack, you will be incredibly ecstatic. However, even sale items can add up if you're replacing your entire wardrobe. I advise my patients not to purchase too many clothes the first time they drop a few sizes, as the new clothes will likely no longer fit in a few months if they continue to lose weight.

The financial benefits of your weight loss will continue to accrue for the remainder of your life. This can be a significant incentive to remain "on the bandwagon." Try maintaining a record of your monthly expenditures, and you will be astounded by the amount of money "left on your plate."

The Story of Linda M.

At the end of 2004, I discussed a bypass with my specialist, who advised against it. I weighed 249 pounds and am 1m tall. I attended Dr. Sewell's seminar after receiving a recommendation from an acquaintance, then decided to undergo band surgery.

The pre-op regimen resulted in the loss of 17 pounds, and I found it extremely difficult. Dr. Sewell kept me overnight despite the fact that the surgery went without a hitch. He does so with all individuals. However, I had no restrictions whatsoever after surgery. At six weeks, I received my first dose, and I had very few restrictions.

My problems are not notably related to eating. I have never vomited food. If something becomes impacted, I experience a buildup of mucous, which must typically be expelled. I've discovered that I have more difficulty eating in the morning, so although breakfast is my favorite meal, I now consume it for lunch.

I have reached a plateau, which is difficult, but my aim was to improve my health, which has been accomplished. I intend to obtain another fill. I now weigh 191 pounds, having lost 58. I used to have diabetes, but I'm only taking one 15 mg medication for it now and expect to be off it shortly. I was consuming three doses of 500 mg per day. Additionally, I was taking medication for excessive blood pressure and acid reflux, but I no longer do so.

The group has also helped me save money. Self-employed and in Texas' high-risk pool for health insurance, my monthly premium was $725 with a $1,000 deductible. I am now enrolled in a $325-per-month major medical and prescription medication plan because I am no longer considered high risk.

I am a therapist, and one of my patients underwent band surgery with a clinician in her healthcare network. But she's had issues.

Because her port took six months to recover, she was unable to receive a refill. Therefore, she lost six months' worth of weight loss. Another one of my patients has had a bypass, and she is extremely emaciated because she has been ill frequently.

The comprehensive program, including the support group and exercise therapist, is one of the things I like about Dr. Sewell's plan. Initially, my quarter-mile time was over 9 minutes, but after six months, it was 4 minutes and 15 seconds. After my surgery, I purchased a treadmill and joined Curves.

In addition, and this is just my opinion, as a psychotherapist, I believe it's a good thing that they include a psychological component. I was not required to do that. I am already trained in that area. But I recognize its necessity.

I encountered a woman who had a bypass because that is the only procedure her insurance will cover. This woman continues to wear long T-shirts and loose clothing despite her current thinness. This is a mentality issue. She continues to dress as if she is overweight. She visited a physician who lacks a comprehensive program. She participated in an online support group, but it was not the same.

My opinion is that you should not purchase a band if you believe it will improve your self-esteem or make you like yourself. You must have that beforehand. The greatest benefit is health, not vanity. Will improving your appearance boost your self-esteem? Yes. But it is beneficial to have this psychological component of the program to assist those who will be disappointed or continue to struggle with self-esteem.

I anticipate desiring plastic surgery. I am a size 16, and I cannot fit into a size 14 due to the apron of skin hanging from my midriff. I also desire to have my arms tattooed. I need to earn more money in order to pay for the cosmetic surgery that I must pay for myself. The plastic surgeon's office informed me that I could finance the procedure.

Surprisingly, I won the money to finance my Las Vegas band surgery at a conference. And it was exactly what I required. I concluded it was fated at that moment.

If you perform your duties, the band will function. I like that I can consume whatever I want, albeit in small quantities, but that suffices. No one needs to consume as much food as restaurants provide anyway. The completion of my meal will not benefit the Chinese people. I appreciate the ability to carry food home for two additional meals. I previously struggled to find something to eat in the morning, but now I consume protein supplements. Overall, I appreciate no longer having to strive. It is simply simpler. I am not required to consider what I will and will not consume. My existence is not a trial. And it was previously.

Your Image

We have spent a considerable amount of time discussing how to alter your lifestyle and its benefits. Many of the things that are likely to occur to you have been enumerated. However, how will you react to these changes in your life? How will you react to your new circumstances? How should you interact with the new person you've become?

These are challenging queries to answer, as every individual reacts differently. Some individuals embrace their new lives with enthusiasm. Others dread the unknown and tend to maintain a pessimistic outlook even after experiencing success. Some patients find it extremely difficult to see themselves as anything other than "fat" men or women. Participating in a support group or a psychological improvement program to help you develop a genuine sense of who you are therefore essential.

In all likelihood, you won't know how you will react until you experience significant weight loss. Physically, nearly everyone reports having more vitality. A patient recently told me that she no longer needs 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night because she has so much more vitality. Instead, she now only needs about 6 hours. She rises at 5:00 a.m. every day and is significantly more productive throughout the day. Even though that's a bit more energy than the average person has, it demonstrates just how much natural vitality obesity can sap from you.

Having more energy impacts every aspect of your life, including your job, family life, capacity to exercise, and yes, even your sexual life. Possibly most significantly, when you have more vitality, others observe it and respond positively. People around you will feed off your vitality, making you an asset in almost any circumstance. Increasing self-confidence and a sense of self-worth are the subsequent natural progression.

Another aspect of change is how individuals treat you. Everyone who is morbidly obese is aware of "obesity bias," particularly in the workplace. Those who view obese individuals as unmotivated or even less intelligent can limit their employment opportunities and impede their advancement. But a portion of the issue may also stem from how rotund individuals perceive and project themselves. Weight loss alters one's appearance, but for many, the most significant change is a boost in confidence. In the workplace, this change tends to open doors and eradicate ceilings.

One of my patients was extremely reticent and reserved prior to her band surgery. She had worked at the same job for years and would never ask for a promotion or a raise for fear of being rejected. Within four months of her band's operation, she lost approximately 40 pounds and underwent a significant personality transformation. She became significantly more confident and assured of herself. She sought out a new position in which she rapidly became a significantly more visible contributor. Within a few months, she was discovered by another company and recruited away with a new salary that was three times greater than what she had been earning less than a year prior. distinct woman with a distinct attitude.

Other patients have shared comparable experiences, and in each case, the narrative centers on self-image. Self-confidence, self-motivation, and self-reliance are the foundations of virtually every self-help book ever written. If you have viewed yourself as a failure due to your inability to lose weight, you may find these concepts foreign and unattainable. Underneath that "Walter Mitty" exterior is a dynamic and enthusiastic person who can't wait to demonstrate the world what they're capable of. The key to unlocking that individual resides not only in achieving your weight-loss goal, but also in your willingness to accept that your success is the result of your own hard work.

Your epidermis, or outer covering, is a component of your self-image. In the next chapter, we will discuss alterations to your external appearance as they pertain to that body part.